24-03-2025
Fire breaks out at Walt Disney World EPCOT's France Pavilion on Saturday. What happened?
A fire broke out at Walt Disney World Resort's EPCOT on Saturday, with photos and videos on social media showing a thick black plume of smoke rising over the area.
Riders were evacuated from the "Remy's Ratatouille Adventure" attraction due to the fire. The fire was quickly extinguished by 7:20 p.m. and no injuries were reported, according to Disney officials.
The fire took place amid the park's busy spring break season and its popular "International Flower and Garden Festival."
Here is what we know about the fire at Disney World as of Monday, March 24.
The fire broke out backstage at the theme park's France Pavilion, which is located along the World Showcase. Guests taking the Skyliner lift system were able to see where the dark plume was originating from.
WDWM reported that the French Pavilion was closed amid the incident and later reopened for guests at 8:20 p.m. The park closed at its scheduled hour.
A Disney World representative told The Associated Press the smoke was caused by a walk-in cooler that caught fire.
Central Florida's District Fire Department, previously the Reedy Creek Improvement District Fire Department, responds to emergencies on and around Walt Disney World's property.
"The Fire Department was established in 1968 to provide fire prevention and fire protection to the District. Basic ambulance service began in 1971, followed by advanced life support service in 1976," its website shares. "The Fire Department maintains four fire stations located throughout the District and provides fire, rescue, and emergency management services."
Contributing: Ashley Ferrer, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: EPCOT fire breaks out at Disney theme park. What to know
